THE PROCESS
because design isn't magic
OUR COLLECTIVE CREATIVITY KNOWS NO BOUNDS...
That’s what makes the design process so important! We could come up with endless ideas. Our visual preferences are subjective. But we only have so much time and money to invest in this project. So let’s get objective!
We will use this process to establish tangible goals and a common language. Design begins with defining the desired outcome of the project, and then understanding the people who need to hear what you’re saying. The rest of the process? Well, that sort of is like magic.
Connect. First, we'll get to know each other to see if we're a good fit. I may send you a Strategic Brief before our initial meeting to make sure we cover all the points relevant to completing your project. Then, together, we will go through your project requirements.
The Proposal. I will take the notes from our meeting and carefully think through each stage of the project development. The proposal will contain a project timeline, project estimate and the details of each stage of development. You may be offered variations of the project development to provide options within your budget, time or quality requirements. I strive to be flexible and fair to everyone involved.
The Contract.The proposal looks good, and you’re ready to get started. Now you’ll be sent a Contract to make our agreement official. Once the contract is signed, and the down payment is received (usually a certain specified % of the total project estimate), we’ll start work on your project.
Research. This provides the foundation for discovery and insight that will set the tone for the whole design, so it's a very important step in the process. We'll look at information about your target audience so we can help you connect with them on a meaningful level.
Learn more about Design Strategy>
Concept Development. Using the research we’ve collected, I’ll present you with a Visual Brief—a compilation of various marks, type or images. This is a great way for us to begin to define what different words mean to you visually. We aren’t copying things from these images, they will just serve as a tangible, visual guideline for us to communicate better with each other. What’s “hip” to one person may be “childish” to another. I’ll develop rough comps for you based on all the parameters we’ve established.
Concept Refinement. Next, we’ll take your feedback and refine the design chosen from a series of two or three rough comps. I’ll bring the selected design up to a finished level for your final approval.
Finished Work. I’ll present you with the final piece for you to look over before we send it to be published or printed. Once you sign off on the project and send in your last payment, I’ll provide you with the final artwork files outlined as deliverables in the proposal.
Results. Now that your project has been released into the wild, let's see how your audience responds...
Repeat. That was fun! Let's see what we can think up next. I would love to be your go-to designer for your ongoing project needs.